Articles of jewelry

ABSTRACT

Articles of jewelry such as rings, pendants and earrings are provided. Each article employs a plurality of gemstones secured to a multifaceted base of precious metal. The base includes a plurality of facets with a plurality of recesses that are sized and shaped to receive the plurality of gemstones. A shank is secured to the base. The shank provides an element for direct or indirect attachment to the user such as an opening for receiving a user&#39;s finger or for receiving a chain, or a mechanism for attachment to a post. Prongs or other settings can be disposed with the plurality of recesses and configured to hold the gemstones in place within the recesses. The gemstones can have different sizes and/or different shapes. The recesses can be configured with the different sizes and/or different shapes corresponding to size and shape of the gemstones.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 63/131,023, filed Dec. 28, 2020, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND 1. Field

The present disclosure relates to jewelry for personal adornment or other decorative purposes.

2. State of the Art

Side-stone rings with a setting holding a large central diamond surrounded by a set of smaller diamonds are well known. Such side-stone rings also commonly include diamonds disposed along the top sides of the band of the ring. The setting of the side-stone ring is cumbersome, difficult, and expensive to construct, and undesirable for complex designs where a large number of smaller diamonds surround the larger central diamond. The same is true for earrings and pendants.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

An article of jewelry is provided that employs a plurality of gemstones secured to a multifaceted base of precious metal. The base includes a plurality of facets with a plurality of recesses that are sized and shaped to receive the plurality of gemstones. Prongs or other settings can be disposed with the plurality of recesses and configured to hold the plurality of gemstones in place within the plurality of recesses. The plurality of gemstones can have different sizes and/or different shapes. The plurality of recesses can be configured with the different sizes and/or different shapes corresponding to size and shape of the plurality of gemstones. In order to permit the article of jewelry to be worn, the base is affixed to a connector. Where the article of jewelry is a ring, the connector is a shank is secured to the base. The shank defines a (circular) opening for receiving a user's finger. Where the article of jewelry is an earring, the connector is a rod that is secured to the base, and a pin or clasp is attached to the rod for attachment to the earlobe of the wearer. Where the article of jewelry is a pendant, the connector is a bale that is secured to the base, and the bale defines a loop through which a chain may be thread so that the pendant can be hung around the neck of the wearer.

In embodiments, each recess of the plurality of recesses can be configured to receive part (such as bottom portion or pavilion) of a single gemstone. The single gemstone can be mounted in the corresponding recess such that the top portion of the single gemstone stands proud of the facet of the base that surrounds the corresponding recess and gemstone.

In embodiments, the base has three main parts including a crown, a girdle, and a pavilion. The base can have a general shape defined by the periphery or outline of the girdle. The shape of the base can match or otherwise corresponds to a traditional diamond shape design (such as a round diamond, princess diamond, cushion diamond, pear diamond, heart diamond, oval diamond, radiant diamond, marquis diamond, etc.).

In embodiments, the multifaceted base includes a crown having a first plurality of facets with a first plurality of recesses that are sized and shaped to receive a first plurality of gemstones. In embodiments, the first plurality of facets of the crown can include a table facet and optionally at least one bezel facet, or star facet, or upper girdle facet.

In embodiments, the facets of the crown are arranged in an identical or nearly identical manner to the facets of a “traditionally-cut” diamond. For purposes herein, the term “traditionally-cut” should be understood to include older cuts and more modern cuts that are accepted as standards or typical in the industry. Thus, for example, the crown of a round-cut base may have thirty-three facets, including a table facet, eight star facets, eight bezel facets, and sixteen upper girdle facets.

In embodiments, the multifaceted base includes a pavilion having a second plurality of facets with a second plurality of recesses that are sized and shaped to receive a second plurality of gemstones.

In embodiments, at least one facet of the plurality of facets of the base has a single recess.

In embodiments, at least one facet of the plurality of facets of the base has two or three recesses.

In embodiments, the plurality of gemstones are precious gemstones (such as diamonds).

In embodiments, the plurality of gemstones are semi-precious gemstones.

In embodiments, the plurality of gemstones are lab-created or lab-grown stones (such as synthetic diamonds).

In embodiments, the metal of the multifaceted base includes one or more of gold, silver, platinum, brass, stainless steel, or a metal coated with gold, silver, or platinum.

In embodiments, the multifaceted base has a culet, and the connector has a gallery that receives the culet of the base.

In embodiments, the plurality of facets of the base are formed by lost-wax casting, CNC milling, laser cutting or similar processes.

In embodiments, the plurality of recesses of the base are formed by drilling, milling, cutting, or casting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject disclosure is further described in the detailed description which follows, in reference to the noted plurality of drawings by way of non-limiting examples of the subject disclosure, in which like reference numerals represent similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary multifaceted base shaped like a round diamond that can be part of a novel article of jewelry (ring) in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the exemplary multifaceted base of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the exemplary multifaceted base of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a schematic exploded view of an exemplary article of jewelry (ring) in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, which employs the multifaceted base of FIGS. 1, 2 and 3.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the exemplary article of jewelry (ring) of FIG. 4. In this drawing, the dimensions as provided are in millimeters (mm).

FIG. 6 is a side view of the exemplary article of jewelry (ring) of FIG. 4. In this drawing, the dimension as provided is in millimeters (mm).

FIG. 7 is a top view of another exemplary multifaceted base with gemstones that can be part of an article of jewelry (ring) in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, where the base is shaped like a marquise diamond. In this drawing, the dimension as provided is in millimeters (mm).

FIG. 8 is a top view of the exemplary multifaceted base with gemstones of FIG. 7. In this drawing, the dimensions as provided are in millimeters (mm).

FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the exemplary multifaceted base with gemstones of FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a top view of another exemplary multifaceted base with gemstones that can be part of an article of jewelry (ring) in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, where the base is shaped like an oval diamond. In this drawing, the dimension as provided is in millimeters (mm).

FIG. 11 is a top view of the exemplary multifaceted base with gemstones of FIG. 10. In this drawing, the dimensions as provided are in millimeters (mm).

FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the exemplary multifaceted base with gemstones of FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 is a top view of another exemplary multifaceted base with gemstones that can be part of an article of jewelry (ring) in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, where the base is shaped like a pear-cut diamond. In this drawing, the dimension as provided is in millimeters (mm).

FIG. 14 is a top view of the exemplary multifaceted base with gemstones of FIG. 13. In this drawing, the dimensions as provided are in millimeters (mm).

FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the exemplary multifaceted base with gemstones of FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 is a top view of another exemplary multifaceted base with gemstones that can be part of an article of jewelry (ring) in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, where the base is shaped like a (square) princess-cut diamond. In this drawing, the dimension as provided is in millimeters (mm).

FIG. 17 is a top view of the exemplary multifaceted base with gemstones of FIG. 16. In this drawing, the dimension as provided is in millimeters (mm).

FIG. 18 is a bottom view of the exemplary multifaceted base with gemstones of FIG. 16.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a pendant having an exemplary multifaceted base shaped like a round diamond.

FIG. 20 is a top view of the pendant of FIG. 19.

FIGS. 21 and 22 are side views (taken at ninety degree angles relative to each other) of the pendant of FIG. 19.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a pendant having an exemplary multifaceted base shaped like a marquise diamond.

FIG. 24 is a top view of the pendant of FIG. 13.

FIGS. 25 and 26 are side views (taken at ninety degree angles relative to each other) of the pendant of FIG. 23.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a pendant having an exemplary multifaceted base shaped like a square (princess-cut) diamond.

FIG. 28 is a top view of the pendant of FIG. 17.

FIGS. 29 and 30 are side views (taken at ninety degree angles relative to each other) of the pendant of FIG. 27.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of an earring having an exemplary multifaceted base shaped like a round diamond.

FIG. 32 is a top view of the earring of FIG. 31.

FIGS. 33 and 34 are side views (taken at ninety degree angles relative to each other) of the earring of FIG. 19.

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of an earring having an exemplary multifaceted base shaped like a marquise diamond.

FIG. 36 is a top view of the earring of FIG. 19.

FIGS. 37 and 38 are side views (taken at ninety degree angles relative to each other) of the earring of FIG. 36.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The particulars shown herein are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the examples of the subject disclosure only and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the subject disclosure. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details in more detail than is necessary, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the subject disclosure may be embodied in practice. Furthermore, like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements.

As used herein, “precious metal” is a rare, naturally occurring metallic chemical element of high economic value, such as platinum, gold, silver, palladium, or a relatively expensive metal such as brass or stainless steel, or a metal coated with platinum, gold, silver, or palladium.

As used herein, “precious gemstone” is a rare, naturally occurring stone of high economic value, such as agate, amazonite, afghanite, alexandrite, amber, amethyst, ammolite, ametrine, apatite, aquamarine, andalusite, andesine feldspar, azurite, aventurine, bastnasite, black star diopside, beryl, benitoite, calcite, bloodstone, carnelian, calligraphy stone, chalcedony, chrome diopside, charoite, cavansite, chrysoprase, chrysocolla, chrysanthemum flower stone, chrysoberyl, citrine, coral, danburite, diamonds, druzy, diaspore, dioptase, fire agate, fluorite, eudialyte, emerald, garnet, hackmanite, fuchsite, heliodor, hematite, howlite, iolite, hiddenite, jade, jasper, jeremejevite, ironstone, kyanite, kunzite, labradorite, lapis lazuli, larimar, lepidolite, lava rock, lazurite, malachite, meteorite, magnetite, mexican fire opal, moonstone, moldavite, mystic quartz, morganite, onyx, obsidian, orthoclase, opalite, pearl, peridot, petalite, prehnite, pyrite, prasiolite, pietersite, quartz, rhodochrosite, rhodonite, rhyolite, ruby, sapphire, seraphinite, scapolite, selenite, septarian, serpentine, shiva lingam, sillimanite, shell stones, sodalite, spectrolite, sphene, sphalerite, spinel, sugilite, spodumene, stichtite, sunstone, super seven, tektite, tanzanite, topaz, tiger eye, tiffany stone, tiger iron, tourmaline, tremolite, triphane, turkiyenite, zebra stone, turquoise, verdite, variscite, zircon, and zoisite. For purposes herein, “precious gemstones” also includes stones that are classified as “semi-precious” as well as lab-created or lab-grown equivalents of the precious and semi-precious stones.

The present disclosure provides novel articles of jewelry that employ a multifaceted base of precious metal as previously broadly defined. Similar to a traditional diamond, the multifaceted base has three main parts, including a crown, a girdle, and a pavilion. The girdle is the widest portion of the base with the crown extending above the girdle and the pavilion extending below the girdle. An example multifaceted base 10 shaped like a round diamond is shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. A central axis 11 extends through the crown 13, girdle 15 and pavilion 17 of the base 10 as shown on FIG. 1.

In embodiments, the pavilion 17 has a bottom culet 19 (which can be a point or ridge or facet) that is aligned with or intersected by the central axis 11. The pavilion 17 also has a plurality of facets 21 (typically referred to as pavilion facets) that extend from the culet 19 generally upward and outward from the central axis 11 toward the girdle 15 as best shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. In embodiments, the pavilion facets 21 can be oriented upward and outward from the central axis 11 at angles relative to the central axis 11.

In embodiments, the crown 13 has a top facet 23 (typically referred to as a table facet) that is intersected by the central axis 11. In embodiments, the table facet 23 can be oriented perpendicular to the central axis 11. The crown 13 also has a plurality of facets 25 (typically referred to as star facets) that extend from and around the table facet 23 generally downward and outward from the central axis 11 toward the girdle 15 as best shown in FIG. 2. Between the star facets and extending from the table facets to the girdle are bezel facets 26. Upper girdle facets 27 extend from the bezel facets to the girdle 15. In embodiments, the bezel facets 26 can be oriented downward and outward from the central axis 11 at angles relative to the central axis 11. In embodiments, the girdle facets 27 can be oriented downward and outward from the central axis 11 at angles

In other embodiments, other multifaceted configurations of the base 10 can be used.

In embodiments, the general shape of the base 10 (which is defined by the periphery or outline of the girdle 15) can match or otherwise correspond to a traditional cut diamond shape design, such as any one of a round-cut diamond, princess-cut diamond, cushion-cut diamond, pear-cut diamond, heart-cut diamond, oval-cut diamond, radiant-cut diamond, marquise-cut diamond, etc.

In embodiments, the multifaceted base 10 can be formed by cutting a solid block precious metal (as broadly defined) or by CNC milling, lost-wax casting, into the multifaceted base. The culet 19 and facets (e.g., 21, 23, 25, and 27) of the base 10 can be formed by lost-wax casting, CNC milling, laser cutting or similar processes The culet 19 and facets (e.g., 21, 23, 25, and 27) of the base 10 can also be polished

In embodiments, recesses 31 (see FIG. 4) are formed in certain facets of the base 10. Each recess 31 can be sized and shaped and otherwise configured to receive the bottom part (e.g., pavilion), or other part, of one or more gemstones that will be disposed within such recess in the finished article of jewelry (ring). The size and shape of the recesses 31 can vary to accommodate gemstones (and/or combinations of gemstones) of different size and/or shape. The recesses 31 can be formed by engraving or laser engraving or etching.

In embodiments, one or more recesses 31 can be formed in the table facet 23 of the base 10. For example, FIG. 2 shows a table facet 23 with a central larger-size recess surrounded by eight smaller-size recesses. In addition, one or more recesses 31 can be formed in the star facets 25, the bezel facets 26, and the upper girdle facets 27 of the base 10. For example, FIG. 2 shows eight star facets 25 each with a single recess of even-smaller size (i.e., smaller than the smaller-size recesses of the table facet 23) and eight bezel facets 26 with recesses that are slightly larger than the eight recesses surrounding the central recess. Additionally or alternatively, one or more recesses 31 can be formed in the sixteen upper girdle facets 27 of the base 10. For example, FIG. 2 shows upper girdle facets 27 each with one recess where these recesses match the size of the smaller-size recesses of the star facets 25. With the thirty-three facets in the crown, the base 10 mimics a traditional round brilliant cut diamond.

Additionally or alternatively, one or more recesses 31 can be formed in the pavilion facets 21 of the base 10. For example, FIG. 3 shows sixteen pavilion facets 21 each with three recesses of increasing size when moving from the culet 19 towards the girdle 15. It is noted that the pavilion facets 21 of base 10 are not arranged as standard or traditional pavilion facets. In a traditional round-cut diamond, the pavilion 17 would include sixteen lower girdle facets and eight pavilion facets rather than the sixteen pavilion facets shown. Accordingly, base 10 can be reasonably said to be correspond to or substantially correspond to the shape of a traditional round-cut diamond.

In embodiments, and as seen in FIG. 4, the recesses 31 can be configured with prongs 33 (or other settings) that are configured and adapted to hold and secure gemstones 41 that will be disposed within such recesses in the finished article of jewelry (ring). The configuration of the prongs 33 can vary to accommodate the gemstones 41 (or combinations of gemstones) of different size and shape and the corresponding recesses. For example, three-prong and/or four-prong configurations can be used to hold and secure round, rectangular, oval, and other shaped gemstones. The gemstones 41 can be precious gemstones (e.g., diamonds). Additionally or alternatively, the gemstones 41 can be other (non-precious) gemstones.

In embodiments, a connector in the form of a shank 51 (or band-portion) can be secured to the multifaceted base 10. The shank 51 forms an opening 53 that receives a user's finger. In embodiments, the shank 51 can be secured to facets of the base 10 that do not have recesses 31. Alternatively, the shank 51 can be secured to facets of the base 10 that have recesses with the shank 51 spaced from such recesses. For example, the shank 51 can have shanks ends 55 a, 55 b as shown in FIG. 4. The shanks ends 55 a, 55 b can be pushed into and engage corresponding holes 52 (see FIG. 3) formed in the base 10 to mechanically secure the shank 51 to the base 10. The shank 51 can define a gallery 57 (e.g., opening) that is configured to receive and support the culet 19 of the multifaceted base 10. In embodiments, the shank 51 can be formed from a precious metal, such as gold.

In embodiments, gemstones 41, or combinations of gemstones 41, are placed in the recesses 31 of the base 10 such that the bottom parts (e.g., pavilions) of the gemstones 41 are disposed in the recesses 31 with the prongs 33 holding the gemstones 41 in place to provide the finished article of jewelry (e.g., a ring, a pendant, or an earring). An example finished article of jewelry (ring) 71 is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. Note that the relative dimensions shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 are provided for illustrative purposes only. Different dimensions can be used as desired. In the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6, the top parts of the gemstones 41 can extend out of the corresponding recesses 31 and above of the corresponding facets of the base 10 of the ring 71. In this configuration, each gemstone 41 can be mounted in the corresponding recess 31 such that the top part of the gemstone stands proud of the facet of the base 10 that surrounds the corresponding recess 31 and gemstone 41. In other embodiments, the top parts of the gemstones 41 can be disposed within the corresponding recesses 31 and below (or level with) the corresponding facets of the base 10 of the ring 71. In this configuration, each gemstone 41 can be mounted in the corresponding recess 31 such that the top part of the gemstone stands below or level with the facet of the base 10 that surrounds the corresponding recess 31 and gemstone 41. In embodiments, gemstones 41 of the same type, such as all diamonds, can be placed in the recesses 31 of the base 10 of the ring 71. In other embodiments, gemstones 41 of different types can be placed in the recesses 31 of the base 10 of the ring 71.

FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 illustrate an embodiment of a base 100 for a ring (e.g., FIGS. 5 and 6), a pendant (e.g., FIGS. 23-26), or an earring (e.g., FIGS. 35-38), where the multifaceted base 100 is shaped like a marquise diamond. The crown 113 of base 100 includes nineteen facets (as opposed to the traditional thirty-three), with a large table facet 123 including a central recess and fourteen additional recesses distributed around the central recess. Each of the additional (non-standard) facets 128 of the crown includes one or two recesses 131. It is noted that the facets provided in the crown of base 100 closely mimic or substantially correspond to the facets of the crown of a traditional marquise-cut diamond. Further, the pavilion 117 of the base 100 is also non-traditionally cut with twelve facets, each containing multiple recesses. Gemstones 141 are placed in the recesses 131 of the multifaceted base 100 such that bottom parts (e.g., pavilions) of the gemstones 141 are disposed in the recesses 131 with prongs (not shown) holding the gemstones 141 in place. Note that the relative dimensions shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 are provided for illustrative purposes only. Different dimensions can be used as desired.

FIGS. 10, 11 and 12 illustrate an embodiment of a base for a ring (e.g., FIGS. 5 and 6) or a pendant or earring where the multifaceted base 200 is shaped like an oval-cut diamond. Gemstones 241 are placed in the recesses 231 of the multifaceted base 200 such that bottom parts (e.g., pavilions) of the gemstones 241 are disposed in the recesses 231 with prongs (not shown) holding the gemstones 241 in place. Note that the relative dimensions shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 are provided for illustrative purposes only. Different dimensions can be used as desired. It is also noted that the crown of base 200 includes twenty-five facets rather than the standard thirty-three facets, with a table facet, eight star facets, eight bezel facets, but only eight upper girdle facets being provided instead of the standard sixteen girdle facets. Nonetheless, the crown of base 200 can be said to substantially mimic or correspond to the crown of an oval-cut diamond. The table facet is shown with a central gemstone and eight gemstones surrounding the central stone. Each of the star, bezel and upper girdle facets is shown with single stones with the stones in the bezel facets being similar in size to the stones surrounding the central stone. The stones in the star facets are shown as being the smallest, and the stones in the upper girdle facets are shown as being larger than the stones of the star facets, but smaller than the stones of the girdle facets. Further, it should be noted that the eight non-standard facets of the pavilion are shown as each having two recesses, with a smaller recess located closer the culet, and a larger recess located closer the girdle.

FIGS. 13, 14 and 15 illustrate an embodiment of a base for a ring (e.g., FIGS. 5 and 6) or a pendant or earring where the multifaceted base 300 is shaped like a pear-cut diamond. Gemstones 341 are placed in the recesses 331 of the multifaceted base 300 such that bottom parts (e.g., pavilions) of the gemstones 341 are disposed in the recesses 331 with prongs (not shown) holding the gemstones 341 in place. Note that the relative dimensions shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 are provided for illustrative purposes only. Different dimensions can be used as desired. It is also noted that the crown of base 300 includes twenty-five facets rather than the standard thirty-three facets, with a table facet, eight star facets, eight bezel facets, but only eight upper girdle facets being provided instead of the standard sixteen. Nonetheless, the crown of base 300 can be said to substantially mimic or correspond to the crown of a pear-cut diamond. The table facet is shown with a large “central” gemstone and nine gemstones located forward the central stone. Each of the star, bezel and upper girdle facets is shown with single stones with the stones in the bezel facets being larger in size than the stones on the table facet that are located forward the (largest) central stone. The stones in the star facets are shown as being the smallest, and the stones in the upper girdle facets are shown as being larger than the stones of the star facets, but smaller than the stones of the girdle facets. Further, it should be noted that nine non-standard facets of the pavilion are shown in FIG. 15. Five of the pavilion facets are shown as each having two recesses, and two are shown as having four recesses. In all cases the smaller (smallest) recess is located closer the culet, and a larger (largest) recess is located closer the girdle. Two of the nine facets are shown without recesses and may provide attachment locations for the shank of the ring.

FIGS. 16, 17 and 18 illustrate an embodiment of a base for a ring (e.g., FIGS. 5 and 6), a pendant (e.g., FIGS. 27-30) or earring where the multifaceted base 400 is shaped like a princess-cut diamond. Gemstones 441 are placed in the recesses 431 of the multifaceted base 400 such that bottom parts (e.g., pavilions) of the gemstones 441 are disposed in the recesses 431 with prongs (not shown) holding the gemstones 441 in place. Note that the relative dimensions shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 are provided for illustrative purposes only. Different dimensions can be used as desired. It is also noted that the crown of base 400 includes only nine facets rather than the standard number, with a table facet, and eight other non-standard facets. Nonetheless, the crown of base 400 can be said to substantially mimic or correspond to the crown of a princess-cut diamond. The table facet is shown with a large central gemstone and eight gemstones of alternating sizes surrounding the central gemstone. Each of the eight additional facets is shown with three stones with one larger and two smaller stones. Further, it should be noted that eight non-standard facets of the pavilion are shown in FIG. 18. Six of the pavilion facets are shown as each having five recesses, and two are shown as having six recesses.

In embodiments, the crowns of the gemstones that are placed in the base may stand proud of the facets of the base. In embodiments the girdles of the gemstones that are placed in the base may be at the same level as the facets of the base.

In some embodiments the gemstones placed in the base are all circular. In some embodiments, the gemstones that are placed in the base may include one or more gemstones that are other than circular. In some embodiments, the gemstones that are placed in the base may have different shapes.

Turning now to FIGS. 19-22, a perspective view, top view, and side views taken at ninety degree angles relative to each other are provided of a pendant 571 having an exemplary multifaceted base 500 shaped like a round diamond with numerous gemstones 541. The base is substantially identical to base 10 of FIGS. 1-6 with a crown 513, girdle 515, pavilion 517, table facet 523, star facets 525, etc., except that holes 53 in the pavilion 17 of base 10 that are adapted to receive shank ends 55 a and 55 b of ring 51 are replaced by a bore 552 in pavilion 517 that extends through the base and is designed to receive a connector bale 551 of the pendant 571. The connector 551 extends through the bore 552 and may be provided with a knob 551 a that is screwed, welded, or otherwise attached to one end of the shank. The other end of the connector forms a bale loop 555 with an opening 553 that receives a chain (not shown) from which the pendant may hang. The opening 553 may be substantially pear-shaped (as shown), or may be round or otherwise shaped.

FIGS. 23-26 are respectively a perspective view, a top view, and two side views taken at ninety degree angles relative to each other of a pendant 671 having an exemplary multifaceted base 600 shaped like a marquise diamond with numerous gemstones 641. The base is substantially identical to base 100 of FIGS. 7-9 with crown 613, pavilion 617, facets 623, 628 etc, except that holes (not shown) in the pavilion 117 of base 100 that are adapted to receive the shank ends of a ring are replaced by a hole 652 designed to receive the connector bale 651 of pendant 671. The bale 651 is attached in hole 652 by screwing, welding, or otherwise and extends outward, forming a loop 655 with an opening 653 that is adapted to receive a chain (not shown) from which the pendant may hang. The opening 553 may be substantially pear-shaped (as shown), or may be round or otherwise shaped.

FIGS. 27-30 are respectively a perspective view, a top view, and two side views taken at ninety degree angles relative to each other of a pendant 771 having an exemplary multifaceted base 700 shaped like a square (princess-cut) diamond with numerous gemstones 741. The base is substantially identical to base 400 of FIGS. 16-18, except that holes (not shown) in the pavilion of base 700 that are adapted to receive the shank ends of a ring are replaced by a bore 752 designed to receive connector bale 751 of pendant 771. The connector 751 extends through the bore 752 and may be provided with a knob 751 a that is screwed, welded, or otherwise attached to one end of the connector. The other end of the connector forms a bale loop 755 with an opening 753 that receives a chain (not shown) from which the pendant may hang. The opening 753 may be substantially pear-shaped (as shown), or may be round or otherwise shaped.

It will be appreciated that while FIGS. 19-30 show three embodiments of pendants with specifically-shaped bases, pendants with bases of different shapes may be used. Thus, pendants may have oval-shaped bases, pear-shaped bases, or bases shaped in other manners.

Turning now to FIGS. 31-34, a perspective view, top view, and side views taken at ninety degree angles relative to each other are provided of an earring 871 having an exemplary multifaceted base 800 shaped like a round diamond with numerous gemstones 841. The base is substantially identical to base 10 of FIGS. 1-6 with a crown 813, girdle 815, pavilion 817, table facet 823, star facets 825, etc., except that holes 53 in the pavilion 17 of base 10 that are adapted to receive shank ends 55 a and 55 b of ring 51 are replaced by a bore 852 in pavilion 817 that extends through the base and is designed to receive connector rod 851 of the pendant 871. The connector 851 extends through the bore 852 and may be provided with a knob 851 a that is screwed, welded, or otherwise attached to one end of the connector. The other end of the connector is attached to an ear-engaging element 855. In FIGS. 31-34, the ear-engaging element 855 is a post or stud which may be at right angles with the connector rod. The top of the post 855 is shown with a recess 890 that receives a gemstone 841 a. The post may also have a catchment 892 for engagement with an earring back (not shown).

FIGS. 35-38 are respectively a perspective view, a top view, and two side views taken at ninety degree angles relative to each other of an earring 971 having an exemplary multifaceted base 900 shaped like a marquise diamond with numerous gemstones 941. The base is substantially identical to base 100 of FIGS. 7-9 with crown 913, pavilion 917, facets 923, 928 etc, except that holes (not shown) in the pavilion 117 of base 100 that are adapted to receive the shank ends of a ring are replaced by a hole 952 designed to receive connector rod 951 of pendant 971. The connector rod 951 is attached in hole 952 by screwing, welding, or otherwise and extends outward. The connector 951 is also attached to an ear-engaging element 955. In FIGS. 35-38, the ear-engaging element 955 is a post or stud which may be at right angles with the connector rod. The top of the post 955 is shown with a recess 990 that receives a gemstone 941 a. The post may also have a catchment 992 for engagement with an earring back (not shown).

It will be appreciated that while FIGS. 31-38 show two embodiments of earrings with specifically-shaped bases, earrings with bases of different shapes may be used. Thus, earrings may have oval-shaped bases, pear-shaped bases, square-shaped (princess-cut) bases or bases shaped in other manners. It will also be appreciated that while FIGS. 31-38 show embodiments of earrings with posts for use with pierced ears, the shanks of the earrings may be attached to other mechanisms such as clips for clip-on earrings, hooks for hook earrings, etc.

In all embodiments, it will be appreciated that the connectors (e.g., shanks, bales, and rods) that are attached to the bases provide an element for direct or indirect attachment to a body part of a user. Thus, in the case of the ring, the shank provides an opening for receiving a finger. In the case of a pendant, the bale provides an opening for receiving a chain which in turn is supported by the neck of the user. In the case of the earring, the rod is attached to a post, hook, or other mechanism that will attach to the ear of the user.

There have been described and illustrated herein several embodiments of articles of jewelry (rings, pendants, and earrings) and methods of fabricating such articles of jewelry. While particular embodiments of the invention have been described, it is not intended that the invention be limited thereto, as it is intended that the invention be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. Thus, while particular metals and shapes for the multifaceted base have been disclosed, it will be appreciated that other metals and shapes for the base can be used as well. In addition, while particular types of gemstones are disclosed as mounted in the recesses of the multifaceted base, it will be understood that other gemstones and gemstone types can be used. It will therefore be appreciated by those skilled in the art that yet other modifications could be made to the provided invention without deviating from its spirit and scope as claimed. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An article of jewelry comprising: a plurality of gemstones secured to a multifaceted base of precious metal, wherein the base includes a crown having a plurality of facets with a plurality of recesses that are sized and shaped to receive the plurality of gemstones and a pavilion; and a connector secured to the pavilion of the base, wherein connector defines an element for direct or indirect attachment to a body part of a user.
 2. An article of jewelry according to claim 1, further comprising: prongs or other settings that are disposed with the plurality of recesses and configured to hold the plurality of gemstones in place within the plurality of recesses.
 3. An article of jewelry according to claim 1, wherein: the plurality of gemstones have at least one of different sizes and different shapes; and the plurality of recesses have at least one of different sizes and different shapes corresponding to size and shape of the plurality of gemstones.
 4. An article of jewelry according to claim 1, wherein: each recess of the plurality of recesses is configured to receive part of a single gemstone.
 5. An article of jewelry according to claim 1, wherein: each recess of the plurality of recesses is configured to receive a bottom portion of a single gemstone.
 6. An article of jewelry according to claim 5, wherein: the single gemstone is mounted in the corresponding recess such that the top portion of the single gemstone stands proud of the facet of the base that surrounds the corresponding recess and gemstone.
 7. An article of jewelry according to claim 1, wherein: the base further includes a girdle.
 8. An article of jewelry according to claim 7, wherein: the base has a general shape defined by the periphery or outline of the girdle that matches or otherwise corresponds to a traditional diamond shape design, and the plurality of the facets of the crown cause the crown to substantially mimic the crown of the traditional diamond of that shape.
 9. An article of jewelry according to claim 8, wherein: the traditional diamond shape design is selected from the group including a round-cut diamond, princess-cut diamond, cushion-cut diamond, pear-cut diamond, heart-cut diamond, oval-cut diamond, radiant-cut diamond, and marquise-cut diamond.
 10. An article of jewelry according to claim 7, wherein: the crown of the base includes a first plurality of facets with a first plurality of recesses that are sized and shaped to receive a first plurality of gemstones.
 11. An article of jewelry according to claim 10, wherein: the first plurality of facets include a table facet and at least one bezel facet.
 12. An article of jewelry according to claim 11, wherein: the first plurality of facets includes star facets.
 13. An article of jewelry according to claim 12, wherein: the first plurality of facets includes upper girdle facets.
 14. An article of jewelry according to claim 7, wherein: the pavilion of the base includes a second plurality of facets with a second plurality of recesses that are sized and shaped to receive a third plurality of gemstones.
 15. An article of jewelry according to claim 1, wherein: at least one facet of the plurality of facets has a single recess.
 16. An article of jewelry according to claim 1, wherein: at least one facet of the plurality of facets has at least two recesses.
 17. An article of jewelry according to claim 1, wherein: the plurality of gemstones comprise precious gemstones.
 18. An article of jewelry according to claim 17, wherein: the plurality of gemstones comprise diamonds.
 19. An article of jewelry according to claim 1, wherein: the precious metal of the base comprises one of platinum, palladium, gold, and silver.
 20. An article of jewelry according to claim 1, wherein: the base has a culet; and the connector has a gallery that receives the culet of the base.
 21. An article of jewelry according to claim 1, wherein: the plurality of facets of the base are formed by at least one of lost-wax casting, CNC milling, and laser cutting.
 22. An article of jewelry according to claim 1, wherein: the plurality of recesses of the base are formed by at least one of lost-wax casting, CNC milling, and laser cutting.
 23. An article of jewelry according to claim 1, wherein: said article is a ring, and said element for direct or indirect attachment defines an opening for receiving a user's finger.
 24. An article of jewelry according to claim 1, wherein: said article is a pendant, and said element for direct or indirect attachment defines an opening for receiving a chain.
 25. An article of jewelry according to claim 1, wherein: said article is an earring, and said element for direct or indirect attachment is configured to attach to an ear of a user.
 26. An article of jewelry according to claim 25, wherein: said element said element for direct or indirect attachment comprise a post configured to attach to an ear of a user.
 27. An article of jewelry according to claim 1, wherein: said pavilion of said base includes a bore extending therethrough and said connector extends through said bore. 